Double track crossing flasher wiring (Circuitron ) Best practise

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I have double track with current of traffic on my layout. I would like to install crossing flashers on a roadway using Circuitron products. I have Circuitron DT-2 Logic Grade Crossing Detectors and FL-2 Alternating Flasher actuators.The DT-2 uses a series of four “opti sensors” to detect train traffic,which then accuate the FL-2 flasher circuits.

My questions: Can I use two DT-2 crossing detectors to drive one FL-2 alternating crossing flasher that would power four LEDs in the crossing signals? This would be one DT-2 with four opti-sensors on the Eastward track and one DT-2 with four opti-sensors on the Westward track connected to one FL-2 flasher circuit. Thus, a train moving toward the crossing on the Eastward track would accuate the FL-2 through the DT-2 to cause the signals on both side of the crossing to start flashing. Would there be a problem with this setup if a train was also approaching the crossing on the Westward track? Would there be a problem with overlapping detction as trains approach the crossing on separate tracks in opposite directions? It seems to me that there should not be a problem, but…

Any advice will be appreciated.

Split Reduction

2

The answer is yes. The DT-2 circuit is an open-collector output so if there is a train one one track already activating the crossing flasher and a train comes along on the other track, it will not damage either circuit. And if the first train clears but the second one is still in the crossing, the flasher will continue to work.

This is shown in App Note 104 on page 28 of the Circuitron catalog: http://www.circuitron.com/index_files/301CAT.pdf

–Randy

3

Thanks Randy. I thought this would be the case, but I’ve never wired up these products so I thought I would check with those who know.